Breaking News, February 17 | LIVE UPDATES.
Hello and welcome to India TV Digital's coverage of all the breaking news coming across from India and the world. Stay home, stay safe, and stay informed as our team of dedicated editors/reporters bring you the latest news photos, videos, views and top stories from politics, sports, education, science, entertainment, lifestyle, yoga, and much more from India and worldwide.
Latest India News
In view of a sharp drop in coronavirus cases in Gujarat over the last couple of weeks, the state government on Thursday decided to do away with the online system of education and said that from February 21, schools and colleges in the state will have to conduct their classroom sessions through offline mode only.
At present, school students of Classes 1 to 12 as well as college students in Gujarat have the option of both attending the classes either in online or offline mode. Those who do not wish to attend the classes physically, can attend online classes using their mobile phones or computers.
The Karnataka government on Thursday ordered that the students studying in schools managed by the minority welfare department including the Maulana Azad Model English Medium schools in the state should not wear saffron scarves, Hijab or any religious flags.
A circular issued by Major Manivannan P, secretary in the department of minority welfare, Hajj and Wakf Department, said the Karnataka High Court has in its interim order restrained all the students regardless of their religion or faith from wearing saffron shawls, scarves, Hijab, religious flags or the like within the classroom, until further orders.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar will visit Germany and France from February 18 to 23, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday. “EAM S Jaishankar will be on a visit to Germany and France from Feb 18th to 23rd. In Germany, he’ll participate in Munich Security Conference. He will also hold bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers and other delegates who would be attending the conference,” MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said during a weekly press briefing.
The Delhi Police has said that no changes have been made to its insignia and strict legal action will be taken against those spreading “false narrative”. However, a senior official said police personnel are wearing a commemorative badge on their uniform, atop their name plates, to mark the prestigious award of colours to the force by the President in 1954. They will wear this badge also to commemorate the platinum anniversary celebrations of the Delhi Police, the official said. In a tweet in Hindi, the Delhi Police said that no changes have been made to its insignia. “Some social media users with ulterior motives are trying to discredit Delhi Police, incite people by spreading false narrative about the new Delhi Police ‘Colours’. We condemn the false allegations and assure strict legal action against such social media accounts,” police tweeted.
Two men were arrested for allegedly killing a fellow ragpicker after a quarrel broke out between them over a petty issue in in Karol Bagh area, police said on Thursday. The two accused- Chhote Jamadar (32) and Kamlesh Ram (36) worked as rag pickers in Karol Bagh area and knew the victim- Bipin Bindh (32), who hailed from their native place in Bihar’s Nalanda, they said. According to police, the victim was distantly related to one of the accused and he used to often address the accused as “Tu mera Sala hai”, this often annoyed the accused and on the day of incident as well, the victim under the influence of alcohol fought with the accused person and to take revenge, they killed him, police said. They first choked his neck with a scarf and after tying his hands, they threw him in a drain so that body cannot be found by police. After killing him, they fled away to Bihar, police officials said.
An accused has to be produced before the court on molestation allegations by a juvenile girl. The case has been registered under POCSO Act and IPC 354 following a complaint by the victim’s mother, informs Dindoshi Police.
A 17-year-old boy was run over by a super-fast train while crossing a railway track in Bihar’s Nawada district on Thursday morning. The deceased has been identified as Nitish Kumar, a resident of Warsaliganj ward number 19. He was wearing earphones while crossing the railway track. “Nitish was going to school for his class 10 board examination. He probably failed to see the approaching train and was hit,” said an officer of Warsaliganj railway station HK Ali. The accident took place at the south end of the railway station. According to eyewitnesses, the New Delhi Gonda Humsafar express was speeding as it does not have a stoppage at Warsaliganj railway station. Nitish crossed the track without realising that a train was coming. He died on the spot. “We have collected the remains of the body and sent for post-mortem. Local police are being informed about the mishap,” he said.
The 48th Khajuraho Dance Festival will be held in Madhya Pradesh from February 20 to 26 this year as part of the ‘Amrit Mahotsav’, being celebrated to mark the 75th anniversary of the country’s Independence, an official said on Thursday. Renowned artists from across the country and the world will perform at the festival, which will be inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel, MP tourism and culture department’s principal secretary Sheo Shekhar Shukla said. The festival will be held besides the famous Khajuraho group of temples, which is a world heritage site. It will showcase the cultural landscape of Indian dance styles, art and travel-related exhibitions, as well as films based on various artistes, the official said. During the event, the National Kalidas Award will be presented to eminent dancers for the years 2019-20 and 2020-21. The Madhya Pradesh State Rupankar Kala Award will also be presented during the festival. The Khajuraho Dance Festival was started in 1975, according to the official. Various state ministers and leaders will attend the event this year, he added.
A fire broke out on Thursday in a godown where cardboard waste was kept in Bhiwandi powerloom town here in Maharashtra, a civic official said. No one was injured in the blaze which erupted around 2 am in the godown in Mithpada area of Bhiwandi, Thane Municipal Corporation’s regional disaster management cell chief Avinash Sawant said. The godown is located in a residential area having nearly 100 houses. Three fire engines were rushed to the spot and the blaze was doused by 7 am, the official said. The cause of the fire is not yet known, he added.
A young RSS worker was stabbed to death in Haripad area of Alappuzha district following an argument at a nearby temple, where he had gone to perform a ‘thalam’ dance, police said on Thursday. Three people have been taken into custody in connection with the incident and that the post mortem and inquest proceedings are yet to get over. Reacting to the killing, BJP state president K Surendran told reporters in Thrissur that the victim was an RSS worker and he was mercilessly stabbed to death by members of a drug mafia. Surendran alleged that the anti-social elements, including drug mafias and ‘quotation’ gangs, were roaming free in the state as they had protection of the ruling party. He also alleged that the accused in the instant case were all CPI(M) workers. The BJP state chief charged the LDF government with ‘failing’ to curb such anti-social elements and ensure law and order.
The German government has approved the draft of the fourth Covid-19 tax relief act that would bundle economic and social measures to cushion the impact of the pandemic. Rewarding the “special efforts of care workers during the pandemic”, employees in the healthcare sector could be awarded a tax-free bonus of up to 3,000 euros ($3,400), Xinhua news agency quoted the government as saying. Special tax rules on working from home would continue to apply, allowing taxpayers to claim five euros for each calendar day during which they work exclusively at home, up to a maximum of 600 euros, according to the government. In order to secure the liquidity of businesses, German companies could offset their Covid-19-related losses against profits from previous years, according to the draft. Operating losses in 2022 and 2023 could be carried back two years by up to 10 million euros. “With today’s decrees, we are reaching out to the broad middle of society,” said Minister of Finance Christian Lindner in a statement on Wednesday. “The law is a good contribution to leading our country out of the crisis.”
READ FULL STORY HERE:
Thane has reported 138 new cases of coronavirus, raising the infection count in the Maharashtra district to 7,07,563, while three more fatalities pushed the death toll to 11,855, an official said on Thursday. These new cases and deaths were reported on Wednesday, he said, adding that the COVID-19 mortality rate in the district stood at 1.67 per cent. In neighbouring Palghar district, the COVID-19 case count has gone up to 1,63,214, while the death toll has reached 3,391, another official said.’
READ FULL STORY HERE:
The global coronavirus caseload has topped 417.4 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 5.84 million and vaccinations to over 10.25 billion, according to Johns Hopkins University. In its latest update on Thursday morning, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and the death toll stood at 417,467,901 and 5,849,166, respectively, while the total number of vaccine doses administered has increased to 10,257,109,696. The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 78,169,874 and 928,490, according to the CSSE. The second worst hit country in terms of cases is India (42,723,558 infections and 509,872 deaths), followed by Brazil (27,819,996 infections and 641,096 deaths).
Meghalaya recorded no COVID-19 death on Wednesday for the first time in a month, officials said. The state reported 60 new cases, taking the tally to 93,131, they said. The Northeastern state at present has 550 active cases, while the toll remained at 1,565, they added. Of the new cases, 24 were reported from East Khasi Hills, 11 from West Garo Hills district and seven from West Jaintia Hills district. The state reported 119 recoveries during the day.
Police said they seized 40 tonnes of rice meant for supply under the public distribution system (PDS) and arrested a man in this connection on Wednesday in Nagpur. The accused was identified as Samsher Khan Rashid Khan Pathan (27), a resident of Kundanlal Gupta Nagar, the police said. Acting on a tip-off, the police checked a mini truck laden with rice sacks in Vaishali Nagar in the evening. Pathan, who was driving the vehicle, failed to show any papers for transporting the PDS rice stock after which he was arrested, they said.
A statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj which had been illegally installed by BJP activists at Sevali village in Maharashtra’s Jalna district was removed by the district administration on Wednesday, police said. The statue of the 17th century Maratha warrior king was installed on Monday night on a government-owned plot in the village without obtaining permission from authorities and following proper procedure, they said. The next day, police personnel were deployed in large numbers in Sevali and nearby villages. A case was registered against 20 local BJP activists over installation of the sculpture, the police said.
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, lakhs of devotees took the holy dip in the Ganga river here on the auspicious occasion of Magh Purnima on Wednesday. The district’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Kumar said that elaborate security arrangements have been made for the Magh Purnima and more than 150 CCTV cameras have also been installed. An official of Prayagraj Mela Authority said that since morning, around 10 lakh people, including children, elderly and women, have taken the holy dip in the Ganga river and Sangam. People are likely to take bath in the Ganges till late evening, he added.
A Canadian official says truckers protesting the country’s COVID-19 restrictions are dismantling their last remaining blockade along the US border. Meanwhile, the siege of Ottawa appears to be heating up. The federal official says the final blockaders are leaving Emerson, Manitoba, opposite North Dakota, and border authorities hope to reopen the crossing in the afternoon. The official was not authorised to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday. At the same time, police in Canada’s capital are telling truckers who have clogged Ottawa’s streets that it is time for them to leave too. Authorities began handing out notices and threatening arrests Wednesday near the Parliament building where the biggest group of protesters is entrenched.
Four police stations in Delhi have received FSSAI’s ‘eat right campus’ certificate that aims to promote diet diversity and reduce burden of lifestyle-related diseases, officials said on Wednesday. The certificates were issued under the ‘eat right India’ flagship mission of the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), they said. A large-scale training and infrastructural change drive was carried out across all police stations in the city and four of them were able to meet the benchmark, said a Delhi Police statement. After successful completion of the audit of the campuses, identifying and plugging gaps through sensitisation, followed by final audit by third party agencies, the certificates were issued to the police stations of B K Road, Connaught Place, Tilak Marg and Mandir Marg, it said. Delhi Food Safety Commissioner Neha Bansal presented the certificates to the Commissioner of Police during the raising day function of Delhi Police on Wednesday in presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Four people, including a woman, were injured in stone pelting during a clash between two groups in Buddakheda village here on Ravidas Jayanti on Wednesday, police said. SHO Gyaneshwer Bodh said police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control after getting information about the incident. The trouble started when one side confronted the other over participating in a procession on the occasion of Ravidas Jayanti. The argument later turned violent and four people — Chatru, Shyam Kumar, Omparkash and Urmila – were injured, police said. The injured have been shifted to hospital, they said, adding that extra security has been deployed in the region as a precautionary measure.
Top News
K’taka govt bans Hijab, saffron scarves in schools run by minority welfare department
Farhan Akhtar-Shibani Dandekar’s Maharashtrian wedding on Feb 19? See venue, guest list & other deet
Ranji Trophy Live Streaming Day 2: When and Where to Watch, Time, Date, Venue, February 18 Updates
Vladimir Putin may be ‘richest man alive’, but it’s a big mystery. Sneak peek into his life
The Tinder Swindler goes to Hollywood: Simon Leviev to star in his own dating show?
Honeywell Automation ropes on Thyssenkrupp’s Pulkit Goyal as CFO
Zoom Upgraded Privacy for its Mac OS Users- Microphone Bug Fixed
Latest News
Opinion | Channi should have avoided calling people from other states as ‘outsiders’
Ranji Trophy 2021-22: Rahane returns to form, smashes ton against Saurashtra
Akshay Kumar plays volleyball match with ITBP jawans | PICS
India vs West Indies 2nd T20 Live Streaming: When and where to watch IND vs WI T20I match on TV
© 2009-2022 Independent News Service. All rights reserved.
Aaj Ki Baat: Muslim outfit PFI holds ‘Unity March’ in Rajasthan, Kerala, Bengal, TN over ‘hijab’ issue
Haqikat Kya Hai: What is PM Modi and CM Yogi’s plan to win 300+ seats in UP?
Reporter Bike Wali: Shivpal Yadav speaks exclusively with India TV on UP elections
Kurukshetra: Why did PM Modi Kejriwal’s thinking to that of Pakistan?
Muqabla | Akhilesh Yadav ko gussa kyun aata hai?
Punjab Elections 2022: Rahul Gandhi ‘reveals’ why Captain Amarinder Singh was removed as Punjab CM
UP Election 2022: Ghosts will dance at BJP booth in Karhal, says Akhilesh at rally; Shah responds
‘Nonsense’: Nitish Kumar slams Punjab CM Channi over ‘bhaiyas’ comment
Complaint lodged in Bihar court against Punjab CM Channi over remark against ‘bhaiyas’ of UP, Bihar
‘Still blaming Nehru…’: Manmohan Singh’s scathing attack on BJP
K’taka govt bans Hijab, saffron scarves in schools run by minority welfare department
India objects to Singapore PM’s comments on Indian lawmakers
Twitter down? Users complain of outage after ‘try again’ pops up on screen
Aaj Ki Baat: Full episode, February 17, 2022
Reports claiming Covid mortality higher than official counts are ill informed: Govt
‘West wants war’ says Russia at UNSC, claims US runs ‘puppet’ government in Ukraine
Russia attack on Ukraine possible in ‘next several days’, says Biden; Moscow responds
Russia misleading world that troops are leaving from Ukrainian border, says NATO
NATO claims Moscow added 7,000 more troops near Ukraine border, says Russia spreading disinformation
Russia-Ukraine News: As crisis unfolds, China keeps a close eye; Taiwan watches anxiously
Ranji Trophy Live Streaming Day 2: When and Where to Watch, Time, Date, Venue, February 18 Updates
PKL 2021-22 Playoffs: All you need to know about PKL playoff scenarios for all 12 teams
Ranji Trophy 2021-22: Himachal fight back to post 324/6 vs Punjab
India Women vs New Zealand Women 3rd ODI Live Streaming: When and Where to Watch IND-W vs NZ-W match
NZ-W vs IN-W 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction: Fantasy Cricket Tips for India Women vs New Zealand Women
Farhan Akhtar-Shibani Dandekar’s Maharashtrian wedding on Feb 19? See venue, guest list & other deet
Bappi Lahiri funeral: Disco King laid to rest as grief-stricken family performs last rites | Updates
Critics Choice Awards 2022: Date, host, venue and everything you need to know
BARC TRP Report Week 6: Yeh Hai Chahatein surprises with position change, Anupamaa remains on top
Here’s how Hrithik Roshan set an example on World Random Act of Kindness Day; see pics
Zoom Upgraded Privacy for its Mac OS Users- Microphone Bug Fixed
WhatsApp to get Facebook Cover Image Feature- Reports
Jio Partners with SES, set to Provide Satellite-Based Broadband Services in the country
Valentine’s Day Last Minute Gifting Ideas- Instax Camera, Noise Smartwatch, boAt Airdopes and more
Microsoft Windows 11 Update: All you need to know about the new features
Farhan Akhtar-Shibani Dandekar Mehendi: Rhea Chakraborty, Anusha & others attend festivities | PICS
RIP Bappi Lahiri: Rakesh Roshan, Kajol, Tanuja, Sakshi Tanwar & others visit late singer’s residence
Remembering Bappi Lahiri with these priceless throwback pics
Kangana Ranaut, Ekta Kapoor visit Bangla Sahib Gurudwara in New Delhi ahead of Lock Upp launch
Deepika Padukone does her ‘Om Shanti Om’ wave; Salman-Katrina head for ‘Tiger 3’ shoot (IN PICS)
How daily exercise can provide relief to itchy eyes?
Thursday Tips: Know why you should NOT drink juice on empty stomach
Can someone suffer panic attack in sleep? What is night terror & nightmare? Psychiatrist explains
COVID: Antibodies improve in quality for months after vaccination, claims study
‘Giloy is safe’, Ayush Ministry debunks myths as fake reports spread scare
Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor’s ‘long distance’ meeting has Internet in splits. See memes
Chalte Chalte Mere Ye Geet Yaad Rakhna: Amul pays tribute to ‘Disco King’ Bappi Lahiri
#MaAn trends after Anupamaa-Anuj Kapadia romantic confession scene; Fans say ‘ek hug to banta hai’
Titanic reimagined with Leonardo DiCaprio and a cat is the ‘purrfect’ love story, watch video
Who is Reena Rai? All about Deep Sidhu’s girlfriend who was with him during fatal accident
